DERRICK BLAYLOCK
By: Dave-Te' Thomas

#26-DERRICK BLAYLOCK Stephen F. Austin State University Lumberjacks 5:09.4-188

ANALYSIS
Positives... Powerfully built, compact runner with good hands and pass-catching ability...Very effective third-down back who has that suddenness to plant and drive...Has good instincts in the open and will lower his pads downfield to get that extra yardage...Very quick turning the corner, taking proper angles down the sidelines...His ability to change gears in an instant leaves the unsuspecting defenders grabbing at air...Gets into his routes quickly as a third-down receiver, showing fine turn-&-run action after the catch...Aggressive blocker, despite his size...Great athlete who also competes in track.

Negatives... While he has great open field acceleration, he tends to take his time getting in gear...Has problems quickly spotting the running lanes, resulting in his inability to consistently break it loose...While he is not known to fumble the ball, his small hands (8 1/4) could pose a problem.

CAREER NOTES
After battling hamstring injuries and patiently waiting on the bench while playing behind KaRon Coleman and Isiah Stoker, he finally was given an opportunity to start as a senior and he made the most of it...Appeared in 31 games, earning 12 starts as a Lumberjack... Finished his career seventh on the school's all-time record list with 2091 yards rushing, carrying 340 times (6.2 avg) with 14 touchdowns...Joined the school's track team, performing as on the 4x100 relay team prior to his senior gridiron season.

REMIND ME OF... Oakland's Napoleon Kaufman.

GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL... Even though the team did not throw him the ball much, Blaylock proved in postseason all-star practices that he could be a very effective change-of-pace back for some team in the mid-rounds. Jacksonville thinks he could be that type of player for them, so look for the Jags to show strong consideration if Derrick is still around (should be) on the draft's second day.

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